7 Main Signs of Gut Issues Everyone Needs to Know

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There are about 300 to 500 various species of bacteria that live in your gut. While some microorganisms can harm you, others are crucial for your health. The gut microbiome is involved in a wide range of essential functions in your body, including producing serotonin, disposing of toxins, regulating the immune system, and making energy available to the body from the food you eat. 

Although most of us have a balance between good and bad bacteria, in some people bad bacteria can take over and provoke dysbiosis. Dysbiosis is an imbalance of the gut microbiome, which is linked to several conditions. How to know if you experience dysbiosis? Here are the main signs you might have gut problems: 

1. Your weight changes for unknown reasons

Some strains of gut bacteria can lead to either weight gain or weight loss, particularly when they colonize in the small intestine. This condition is called SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth). Having too many bacteria in the small intestines can make your body unhealthy by affecting the absorption of minerals, vitamins, and fat. 

If your body can’t digest and absorb fat properly, you can experience weight loss. Other strains of bacteria have been connected with weight gain since certain microbes can derive more calories from foods than others. 

2. You have skin issues 

Skin issues like eczema (a chronic condition that causes itchy, red, and inflamed skin patches) might indicate poor gut health since they occur when there is an imbalance in gut bacteria. 

3. You experience gastrointestinal distress from time to time 

Symptoms, such as nausea, constipation, heartburn, and bloating are hallmarks of gut issues. Gastric distress, especially after eating carb-rich meals, can stem from poor digestion and absorption of carbs. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reflux, colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have all been connected with dysbiosis. 

4. You have sleeping problems

Lack of serotonin can contribute to bouts of insomnia or difficulty falling asleep. In fact, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia symptoms are linked to dysbiosis as well. 

5. You crave certain foods

Food cravings, particularly sugar cravings, could indicate an imbalance in the gut microbiome. Some scientists suggest this might be due to an overgrowth of yeast in the digestive system, which may occur after a course or two of antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria, including good bacteria resulting in yeast overgrowth. This problem can make you crave more sweets. 

6. You have an autoimmune disease 

An imbalanced microbiome can result in more than just GI symptoms. Autoimmune conditions, or conditions in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs, can also be a sign of dysbiosis. In fact, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis are linked to imbalances in gut bacteria. 

7. You’re anxious or feeling blue 

80 to 90 percent of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in your sleep, appetite, mood, libido, and social behavior, is produced in your gut. When there is a decrease in serotonin production, it can adversely affect your mood. Gut dysbiosis can contribute to depressive symptoms and anxiety.  

The Bottom Line

Following a nutritious and healthy diet can help you improve your gut health. To balance your microbiome, cut down processed foods, pasta, and bread. Opt for fruits, nuts, seeds, and plants. It’s also a good idea to increase your intake of fermented foods, such as kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as they contain probiotics or healthy bacteria. Lastly, avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics, as they negatively affect your gut and skin microbiome. Before making any dietary changes, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider.